2000 LSC,
Section 12.2.3.4 "Other Exits"
The first sentence of
this section could be better written (but then if we did this the whole book
could get a whole lot thicker…), but until so, clarification is much needed.
By splitting the compound sentence using English grammar techniques in
order to clarify the meaning, would the following two statements be true:
Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main
entrance/exit of sufficient width to accommodate not less than one-half of the
total occupant load served by that level.
Each level of an assembly
occupancy shall be provided with additional exits of sufficient width to
accommodate not less than one-half of the total occupant load served by that
level.
In clarifying this, does not the second part essentially require
each floor of the assembly occupancy building (other than mezzanines, etc. which
have their own requirements) to have at least half of the required capacity of
their means of egress of that floor be served by qualifying exits (i.e. exit
stairs) located on that floor?
In clarifying this, does not the first
part essentially require each floor of the assembly occupancy building (other
than mezzanines, etc. which have their own requirements) to be able to have at
least half of their occupant load be served by the egress capacity of the
building’s main entrance?
The reply from Principal Life Safety Engineer - NFPA – Quincy, MA
USA:
Yes, to all. You have to go to the third
sentence of 12.2.3.3 to learn the part about each level having access of
sufficient width to get ½ the occupant load back to the main entrance exit. The
paragraph that you reference, 12.3.3.4, addresses the subject of then providing
exits on that level for the other
half of the occupant load.